Modern Women........who took the Cycle Challenge

You know how sometimes your file photos just line up and tell you they want to be together? I didn't even know I downloaded these pedestals but I thought they were telling me something. Like start using all those pretty things you have in your china pantry. The other thing these delicious and delectable images told me was.............get going and maybe you can actually enjoy a little treat now and again. Just not right now.

When I told you the other day about my Cycle Challenge, I neglected to tell you that I believe I was born in the wrong century. At heart I am a 17th century woman with consumption or some other malady that lets you lay about in gorgeous linen on a wicker chaise and eat treats all day and write journal entries with an acceptable excuse. Those ladies weren't suffering from consumption, they were just plain lazy and sometimes I can be too.

I often have to tell myself that it is the 21st century and it is far more modern to be fit and limber than it is to be waning and wide. The only reason I hit the pavement on my bike today was because I publicly told you I would and I now have some virtual company to hold me accountable. Even though I had the best excuse in the world (and my excuses are always the best you ever heard) to not cycle today I just stayed slow and steady. I am not worried about mileage yet, I just put my helmet on and got going. We are not going to be competing especially since I start crying if anyone says I can beat you, I am pathetically ill-equipped at any level for group competition. I would just go home and read a book. So if that was holding you back in joining this challenge, rest assured this is a personal challenge not a competitive one.

Tomorrow when I cycle, I am going to tie a small ribbon on my handlebar. It is going to remind me that I have actually convinced some of my fellow bloggers and readers in joining me on this Cycle Challenge and I am cheering them on because there is nothing more attractive than a modern woman who is strong and determined, one who rises to a new challenge and says "I want slimmer hips". I am joking with my last line, but not really..............you will be slimmer, svelte, and so smart your friends will be out buying a bike faster than you can believe, trust me on this. Meet the delightful group of ladies who are joining my Cycle Challenge so far and who will be listed on my blog sidebar with their weekly mileage and links starting this Sunday. You can join in at any time. You can opt out at any time. No competition, no smirking............but it does work and you can publicly thank me in May or June.

Kadee

Gems on Glamour

La Dolfina

Rachel

Exquisite Accessories

Joanne

Lisa Golightly

Lifescapes

CoolJools

HatJunkie

Laurel

Riding Pretty

Meghan

Cycling Challenge......get set, go

Brigitte Bardot via the blog Riding Pretty

We got more than a tease this weekend with some warmer temps, some sunshine, and with it comes my annual spring lecture. I am using you right now. I am going to suggest you try something, but I want you to know I am really talking to myself. So if I sound overly stern, just remember.............I am really lecturing myself.

This magazine ad was sitting on my reading chair yesterday. My husband ran across it while reading a travel magazine and thought I might like the image and I do think it is one of the best ads for a travel website that I have ever seen. I also think there was a subliminal message there as I had amused him the night before telling him how I understand the "zone" that athletes reach when they find a sport or activity that they just love. In other words...........get going. I saw his little smirk and I think it's time to get my "zone" back. Let's see who will be smirking now.

Photo by Rita Crane ~ Flickr

I once walked every day for one whole year, 60 minutes a day in rain and snow at a fast speed and I did not lose one inch or one pound. The summer I took to cycling I lost 16 lbs and about 6 inches in my hips and I never felt better in my life. I did not change my diet in any way. My legs were strong, my mind clear, and my hips the smallest that I remember. I had found my "zone". Though no one, and I mean this with all my heart, no one would even remotely consider me athletic in any way, I had surprised myself and everyone around me and I admit........that was the part I liked the best.

Anyone can cycle. On any bike. There is no excuse with cycling, even for the non-athletic ones. It is simply a no-brainer and it works. I simply think it is one of the best forms of exercise for a woman. This is my bike, it is the only inanimate thing I have ever kissed and said " hello friend" like I did yesterday. It was my surprise upgrade last summer, the one where I didn't quite clock as many outdoor miles as I had hoped. Not nearly as many as the 1,000 km I had the summer before, the season of slimmer hips and clear mind. Someone has to hold me accountable, it is that simple. Guess what? I am going to use you again......... but in the best possible way.

photo by Carter Smith via Dust Jacket Attic

On my sidebar will be a a photo of my bike. Beside it I am going to update my weekly cycling total in kilometers/miles, a cycling challege if you may. Yes, I am going to hold myself publicly accountable. March will be slow and erratic, the weather and winter weight may hold me back but by April I should be limbered up and close to feeling those endorphins again. Want to ride with me? Up for a challenge and some slimmer hips? Send me your first name and I will list your mileage along with mine. If I have to I will cycle alone, but it would be nice to have some virtual company. Absolutely no smirking allowed. Just enough to get you going again.

Top photo bia the blog Riding Pretty/2nd photo via website Bon Vivant/3rd photo via Rita Crane on Flickr/4th photo from Gary Fisher Bikes/5th photo by Carter Smith via blog ~ Dust Jacket Attic

Left Bank Style......more pink

I know you are probably pinked out on these blog posts too but hey.........it's a pink world over here no matter how I look at it. I promise to switch over to some other colours next week so be patient if you think I have a one track mind. When it came time to gift wrap the final Charlotte Moss giveaway gift for fellow blogger Terri ( I simply adore that girl) at La Dolfino I thought it would be stylishly suitable to use a gift wrap that shows the Left Bank streets in Paris. Yes, this is the gift wrap that everyone frames as a poster. In fact, I think I might just do one up for that Chic Room of mine. I rarely use wired ribbon in a shipped gift as it tends to flatten out in transit but couldn't resist on this one as it just jumped into my hand. I love wired ribbon but only if I can fuss with it before handing it over, give it one last fluff as it tends to have a mind of it's own even just sitting there. Hopefully Terri will enjoy her Charlotte Moss ~ Left Bank Votive Set this weekend as UPS tells me it should show up in California today. Enjoy the fragrance Terri.

Suitcase Tissue
Something about tissue paper I forgot to mention the other day. A nice side benefit to having a ream of tissue is that you have plenty on hand to use for suitcase packing. I use it between layers to keep everything folded nice and reduce wrinkling. Especially good for shirts, linen and lingerie. I know how retro this sounds but it does work and is a much better packing choice than dry cleaner plastic with it's chemical risk. Call me crazy but a tissue wrapped and layer lined suitcase is a organized and wrinkle-free sight to behold. Even the custom inspector will be impressed.

A gorgeous bit of Pink Paris from Broomhill Pictures on Etsy. Both images are available for framing and run $15-20.00. Shipping from Canada.

A deliciously sweet welcome to new readers and followers.




Top Photo by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Underappreciated........Tissue Paper

We sometimes forget about tissue paper as a gift wrap. In the past 20 years since gift bags were introduced we have mostly seen it as something to stuff into gift bags to make them look more gift wrapped, more coordinated. And let me state here, I have nothing against a great gift bag. I am just sorry that it has somewhat positioned tissue paper as a bag stuffer in most people's minds. As a gift wrap, sometimes there can be nothing more perfect.

Not only is tissue more economical, it often offers me a colour I can't find in a gift wrap paper. Which brings me to the second part of this subject..........using leftover cards as gift wrap embellishments. In this post I am using two card cuts as I call them to bring a bit of visual colour and pattern to tissue paper which can be colourful, but simple in nature. This card is from a boxed set of blank cards in which I made a writing error. I keep these aside and simply cut off the cover and keep the card image for this wrapping purpose.

These gorgeous peony bouquets were die cut invitations that I bought, didn't need, but just loved the image. I do hope I am not the only one who does this sort of thing. Maybe I thought I would have a tea party of some sort? When I recently ran across these in a drawer I took them right down to my studio and cut off the backs and promptly used them up as gift tags. You can use the covers of cards that were given to you, blank cards with writing errors, anything with a beautiful image that may perk up your paper or tissue gift wrapping.

This one hangs in my studio with a gorgeous and trailing length of ribbon where I gift wrap just because .........

I used one of the peony cards as a gift card on a Wrap Room box that went out last week. Just a simple hole punch, tied it in with narrow ribbon . You can see a stylish B & W card cut I have ready to use on another gift which I will show you soon. "Card cuts" can work on any type of gift wrapping, not just tissue.

Tissue paper is also sometimes the only wrapping option, some items are difficult to wrap with the heavier weight of paper and the edges look like something a guy would do (generally speaking). This is where the softer weight of tissue paper shows it real beauty. Some products have a nature that better suits tissue as shown with this linen and lavender filled drawer liner. Can you picture it wrapped in gift wrap paper? I can't. It can softly fold around awkward edges and is a bit more forgiving. It does take practise to handle well but once you are comfortable with it you will agree that it is certainly under appreciated. Doing folded tissue pleats also takes practise but not much. It is difficult to show you this technique photographically so I am looking at adding video as in YouTube for many of the gift wrap tips..........will keep you posted.

There are a few things things to know about tissue paper. It is infinitely better to try and purchase it in flat 20" x 30" reams if you would like to use it more often as a gift wrap. I would refer to this as the professional method of buying tissue. One ream is 480 sheets and runs approximately $30-$40.00 so you can see the value in it's purchase. That covers a lot of gift wrapping, especially when it comes to wrapping for shower favours or multiples. I do have an issue with how tissue paper is sold in overly-folded packages these days as it makes it only good for stuffing, not folding. The second thing to know is to be generous with it's use. The more tissue layers, the more lovely and elegant it feels. I generally use 3-4 sheets on any product as the multiple layering also accentuates the tissue colour and hides any product colours. Wrap the item in both directions to hide any edges.

I tucked the stem of this die cut bouquet into the tissue folds and just let the long silk ribbon tail fall where it may. Wrapping in this style can also be more cost efficient because it requires little ribbon, a good way to use up short lengths that may be too short to tie into a bow. You can use shorter lengths as I have illustrated in the lavender one shown above, simply held in place with the card and double-sided tape.

Ready to brighten someone's day.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Oh Canada......you made me like sports!

Oh Canada..........you are really kind of cool today.

You always were, but now the world knows it too.

It can happen. You can change. I watched the Canada - US hockey game last night, every single minute and just about lost my mind with excitement. Unlike my husband who I might add was so stressed when they went into overtime that he washed dishes while I commentated from the TV. A little background is in order here.......I do not watch sports.......ever. My husband and my son are both athletes (secret.....my husband was scouted for the Red Wings, ) and to to anyone who knows us this could be an extraordinary moment in our household. I watched and understood a hockey game, like my heart rate was over the edge watching this game. Oh Canada.......you made me like sports. This is big, real big.


Skeleton? What the heck is that? I can't help but know now especially since we think this Jon Montgomery is our son's long lost twin or brother. The minute he went up to the podium and took off his helmet we saw it and then when he acted kind of crazy we really saw it and so did a bunch of people who know our son. The calls, the texts, the facebook with the comments "Austin......that Jon Montgomery is totally you! Are you still in school or are you in Vancouver?" It is totally weird seeing someone who looks and acts just like your son. Second to that, I think that Skeleton sport looks like an awesome ride.

Another red head! And he is totally fun too. I'm telling you, there is something in red hair that makes these guys way too much fun. In my next life I am going to try snowboarding and figure skating......maybe even women's hockey!

Oh Canada........you are awesome.

Sarah Klassen and some Apricot inspiration

Certain colours just stay in my head and when I saw these apricot silk shoes in a post by fellow Canadian blogger Sarah Klassen I knew this meant it would show up somewhere in the weekly gift wrapping. I simply can't help it, not when stylish bloggers give me so much colour inspiration. If you haven't made it over to her most stylish blog Haute Design, you must make it a point to do so. Sarah has an incredible eye for fashion and design and you will just love it there. I do.

I had a run of "pink" website orders this week so when it came time to wrapping the last order of the week (a personal one) I was in the mood for another direction. Not that I don't love pink, I must use more pink ribbon than anybody in the world. I just wanted something more dramatic, something with that delicious melon colour.

We tend to think of tissue paper as something we crinkle and stuff into a gift bag. As a understated gift wrap it can be beautifully simple. Something you can consider when you want the presentation to be less wrapped so to speak. I will talk about tissue more in the next few weeks and try to show you how to do the hand pleating that you can see under the label if you look carefully. Tissue wrap has a tactile feel that gift wrap paper just can't match. This was one of the gift items that go into the larger box. Each gift is wrapped different, varying papers, ribbon and wrap styles. It just makes the whole unwrapping experience so much more fun don't you think? It can also be a gift wrapping tutorial if they take their time and study the techniques. If they are into that sort of thing.

Do you always have to have a bought card? I like making my own and I really liked the idea of tucking it under the big bow with a little flower peeking out under all that ribbon. It seems more personal somehow. I simply took a blank card in a melon colour, punched a hole in the corner, wired in the petite flower, and wrote my message, no envelope. I pulled it out to photograph but it does get hidden under the bow before it goes out the door.

Top photo via Sarah Klassen/Other photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

The Giveaway Gift Wrap

Since this was the Charlotte Moss Giveaway product choice for one of the three readers who won, I wanted to present it in a box and this larger one just happened to fit. I also wanted to use the gorgeous paper roses that I keep on hand from Noel at Fanciful Designs. Two of them in fact, one big confection of pale pink pretty. I have wrapped this website product in the past by following the round shape but think I might consider offering it in this damask pattern box from now on to give it more presentation. What I would really like is a gift wrap paper in that stunning pink marble paper that lines the inside lids of this gorgeous product. That would be perfection.

I have this same striped taffeta ribbon in black and white as well, but surprisingly the more subdued charcoal and ivory version seemed to look more elegant. Every time I gift wrap this product I do it a different way which just means I am still experimenting. It could also mean I won't be satisfied until I find or design a blush pink marble gift wrap paper.

I wanted to try photographing this product on a velvet fabric that just happened to be the exact colour of the diffuser oil. I have yards and yards of assorted fabric left from my designer days that I will now start using for backdrops. Good thing I kept all of it after all. It's amazing what you find when you do a good clean up.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Back in Order with a Chic Room

I didn't exactly intend on not blogging last week after my Blog Anniversary post, it just happened that way. I swear I don't know where this winter has gone, not so bad to a person who finds winter long and dreary. The steady stream of workers who were putting my studio and office back into order from that ill-timed flood last December have finally left and I must say, I want to kiss my new surroundings. While we were at it, I figured I might as well purge, re-organize, and re-think the space. I now have a Chic Room as I call it and why didn't I do this before? Because it is so much work? But boy was it worth it! Now I can gift wrap, process orders, photograph, have classes, listen to music, watch a movie, lounge, read, chat, nap, blog, eat, yoga (?) and just claimed a whole part of the house as a woman-only zone. My ribbons and gift wrap papers are lined up, scissors sharpened, inventory organized, and my head finally feels straight again. This creative person likes order more than you would think.

You may have noticed a distinct lack of gift wrap posts since the flood and for good reason as I was temporarily squeezed into my inventory storage area. Not exactly conductive to being creative. Now I am set up with a full photo area right across from where I wrap and I can change backgrounds, position lighting, so in other words I have no more excuses not to get back on track with plenty of gift wrapping posts. Not that any of you have said a word, you haven't but you have been saying lots of other wonderful things and I must say Thank You......for all the extraordinary comments on my recent giveaway, birthday and anniversary posts. You are truly the best readers and followers any blogger could want and I hope to make my way back over to you soon to say hello, to say thank you, from the comfort of my Chic Room of course.

Cards from ToykoMilk by Margot Elena

Blog Anniversary........no mystery to me

Blogging is one big mystery to people who don't blog. If you blog you hear these types of comments "what's a blog" or "isn't that when you talk about yourself a lot?" or "I am much too busy to read those all day" or "it seems so narcissistic" or "I guess you need to express yourself somehow". I can only speak for myself but after blogging for one whole year, almost 200 posts, I want to tell you this................pay absolutely no attention to any mysterious remarks about blogging. In fact, just let it be, smile to yourself, and if need be just keep this delicious blogging secret to yourself for now. Continue blogging until your heart is content. If you have words to say, say them and someone here will hear you.

This is what I now think about blogging. It doesn't matter if it is a small blog, a boring blog, a big blog, a popular blog, it matters that you express yourself and find those people who hear your words. Isn't that the point of it?......to have our words heard, to know that we are not alone, we aren't as strange as we thought? The world is a small and large place at the same time. In your smaller world you can be surrounded by people who know you well, but can't possibly hear every word you have inside. This might not be intentional, it can simply be that you speak a different language, you need to seek out other conversations from time to time. To some, blogging can be a huge waste of time, a sign our world is becoming one continuous loop of social media, one more way of distancing ourselves. I beg to differ, I have never felt more connected to a continuous thread of women who speak my language, who inspire me, who hear me and for that reason I smile to myself a lot these days.


I admire creative women of all expression. I also feel a kinship with them because I think the creative world can sometimes be a lonely one. That seems like a strange thing to say but creativity is so personal, so subjective that the chances of finding other people who speak the same language within our smaller world is quite unlikely. The challenge with creativity is not only does it need to be expressed but it needs to be shared........to grow, to develop, to blossom. You hearing me? To read or write a blog doesn't mean you don't have real "live" friends, I think it simply means you want more of them.

When you blog, there are circles and circles of support and understanding that surround you if you open a sincere heart to it. I am immensely grateful for the second time in one week, I admire and adore the women I have met in the past year through blogging. You know who you are, you are fellow bloggers, readers, followers, subscribers, emailers that have touched my heart in no small way. It matters not that I have not met any of you personally, that I could pass you on the street, that you are on the other side of the world. I want you to know.......I hear you each and every one of you. I am a blogger and I love my new friends.

All photos via Flickr

To JPC..........My Valentine

Anywhere.......

Any Way....

Any Time.......

...............you are the one for me ~ XO

All photos via Flickr/Bottom photo via NibsBlog

A bit of Blush Pink Romance

Remember this? One of my favorite pink gift wrap posts using my outdated supply of wallpaper samples. I adore this wide ribbon and the trio of pink satin bows. It still sits across from my desk in my blog display area.

Vintage Books by stylist Selina Lake. Author of Bazaar Style a gorgeous interior book from Ryland, Peter, & Small Ltd. See some of her eye candy on her website {click here}.

When I wrap up the Pink Paris gift wrap set for shipping, it is a deliciously feminine day.

Noel at Fanciful makes these gorgeous pink slippers
with hand dyed French paper for her Etsy shop. She has an incredible
eye for beauty.

Lavender Wands from Provence were originally designed for romance. A gentleman would give these ribboned and lavender scented wands to his betrothed to scent her growing trousseau during their engagement. Exquisite intent and a thoughtful engagement gift.

Forget diamonds, I still want this pink quartz necklace from
jewellery designer Ranjana Khan. For now I just borrowed it from stylish blogger

Judith at Paris Atelier.

Pink walls and pink light bulbs make a women's skin just glow.

So does a warm fragrant bath and this room.

Image from Southern Accents.

Extraordinary heart shaped bouquet by Jane Packer - UK

For you. Enjoy your Valentine preparations.

1st and 3rd photo by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life/Bottom Photo from Jane Packer-UK/all other photos named at source.